Noticeably absent was a photograph of former manager Tony La Russa, whose No. 10 will be formally retired on Friday. Of course, that's perfectly understandable. You don't want your predecessor looking over your shoulder, especially someone who guided the underdog Cardinals to an unlikely World Series title last fall before retiring.

"It's a little early to draw conclusions," said Lance Berkman. "Mike is such a young manager (at 41)."

Like La Russa, Matheny is very knowledgeable, Berkman said.

"Being a catcher prepares you for being a manager more than anybody," he said. "It's similar to Tony's mood in the clubhouse. There's a willingness to go out and work hard and there is intensity every day."

Carlos Beltran, who was signed to add a big bat in the lineup to compensate for the loss of (currently struggling) Albert Pujols, said Matheny "wants us to go out and have fun and play hard. He doesn't have too many rules."

Beltran, who had two home runs, four hits overall and seven RBIs in the Cardinals' 12-3 romp over the Pittsburgh Pirates last Wednesday, is glad to make the move after seven pressure-packed years with the New York Mets.

"Playing in New York, there's a lot of media and a lot of negativity," Beltran said. "Here, things are more positive. At the same time we're winning and everything is fine. It's been a blessing to start the season in a positive way."

As far as Matheny is concerned, he doesn't seem at all fazed by the pressure of succeeding La Russa. Never mind that he had never previously been a manager in the minors, let alone the majors. Unlike La Russa, he seems to be on an even keel at all times.

"Mike did a lot of work in the offseason to prepare," said St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak. "I think he's been preparing for this role for many years, going back to his playing days. He looks at what a manager does and was preparing for the future. I compliment him on his readiness for this job."

Like La Russa, Matheny is always looking for an advantage, even if it means giving a slow-footed runner like Yadier Molina license to steal if the opposing pitcher is asleep.

He said his veterans aren't just flicking sunflower seeds in the dugout.

"They're looking for something to give us an edge," Matheny said. "That's exciting to see that from seasoned players who have had a lot of success. I always want that intensity to be there."

He said veterans clamoring to be in the lineup every day is a great problem to have. "That's what this team is all about," Matheny said.

Despite the Cardinals' fast start, being a manager for the first time will still be a challenge, said St. Louis pitcher Jake Westbrook.

"He's in a good situation with this group and how close we are and having a lot of guys returning — that's good," Westbrook said. "It's easy for him in that we police ourselves. He can just worry about managing, and he's doing a good job."